This will be the third straight game in which Bryant was either limited or out completely. Hurt in a March 13 loss to Atlanta, Bryant sat most of a win at Indiana and didn’t play a home game against Sacramento.

Bryant was injured in the closing moments against Atlanta on what he considered a dirty play. Guarded by Hawks forward Dahntay Jones, Bryant went up for a shot and came down awkwardly on his left ankle. Bryant argued there should have been a foul called and the NBA later agreed.

This is the most opportune time for Bryant to rest as the Lakers remain entangled in a battle for an No. 8 seed. Los Angeles is in a softer portion of its schedule and will play only two playoff teams in its next seven games.